Another business group endorses resort casinos bill

If you're keeping a tally sheet on which business group has aligned with which side of the casino resorts debate here's the latest hash mark: the Florida United Businesses Association, which represents small businesses, is joining with the Latin Builders to support the Destination Resort Act.

On the other side of the debate is the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Restaurant and Hospitality Industry, the Florida Retail Federation and the Florida Attractions Association which don't like the plan.

FUBA chief operating officer Lance Lanzano said the bill, which is designed to bring three "destination resort" casinos to Miami Dade and Broward County, will generate more than 45,000 construction jobs and potentially 100,000 full time jobs.

"Various industries including construction, hospitality, restaurants, retail, convention and gaming will all benefit and hire new workers,'' he said in a statement. "The impact of destination resorts would be enormous in helping lift the state’s unemployment burden, and will play a critical role in helping our state recover from these tough economic times. Florida is at a crossroads with too many Floridians remaining jobless. We believe this legislation will be a major step forward in putting hard working Floridians back to work. FUBA endorses the Destination Resort Act.”